ISLAMABAD: Special Assistant to the Prime Minister on Health Dr Faisal Sultan said Covid-19 posed a significant challenge to efforts to combat HIV/Aids.

Addressing a United Nations General Assembly session on Aids through a video call, he said Pakistan would continue to make vigorous efforts to combat HIV/Aids and had made a significant progress in this regard.

“Being cognizant of the fact that any delay in the provision of testing and treatment services would leave many vulnerable populations at a greater risk, the government of Pakistan undertook rapid steps to modify our strategy, including staffing and smart outreach, provision of personal protective equipment (PPE) for all field staff and multi-month dispensing of anti-retroviral (ARV) treatments.

Resultantly, we were able to ensure uninterrupted supply of services during these unprecedented times, and we aim to continue to adhere to these revised protocols in close coordination with all partners, communities and relevant stakeholders,” he said.

“The high level meeting provides us the opportunity to renew our unswerving resolve to combat HIV/Aids epidemic by 2030 in line with Sustainable Development Goal No 3 - health and well-being for all - ,” he said.

Pakistan has also initiated the programme of universal health coverage for the entire population which includes HIV/Aids as part of the community and primary healthcare level interventions. Interventions covered under this package comprises HIV/Aids testing, counselling and referral for anti-retroviral treatment, provision of prophylactics and syringes to high-risk groups as well as health education. We believe universal health coverage is crucial for ensuring right to health for everyone without any discrimination,” he said.

Dr Sultan said the international community needed a global compact on health where no one is denied their right to healthcare and everyone has universal health coverage.

Moreover, ending HIV/Aids epidemic by 2030 should be one of the priority areas of this global compact, he added.

World blood donor day

The Pakistan Red Crescent Society (PRCS) on Monday celebrated the ‘World Blood Donor Day’ to raise awareness among people regarding the need for regular blood donations.

The day’s slogan was ‘Give blood and keep the world beating’. National Assembly Deputy Speaker Qasim Khan Suri was the chief guest at the event which was attended by PRCS Chairman Abrarul Haq, Secretary General Dr Adeel Nawaz, senior officials and volunteers.

Mr Suri said the day was a reminder that blood transfusion was important in healthcare and medical treatment all over the world.

Mr Haq said he had started a campaign to collect blood in front of Parliament House and Mr Suri was the first to donate blood.

Meanwhile, an event was held at the Pakistan Institute of Medical Sciences (Pims) to motivate citizens to donate blood as it was the lifeline for thalassaemia patients and those hospitalised after accidents.

Published in Dawn, June 15th, 2021